Latest news

Derby midwife shortlisted for top national award

A Derby midwife has been shortlisted in the Royal College of Midwifery annual awards for her work helping bereaved families.

Specialist bereavement midwife Sue Rucklidge, who is based at the Royal Derby Hospital, is a finalist in the Award for Bereavement Care.

Sue was appointed as Derby Hospitals’ first bereavement midwife back in 2010 and she says she is delighted to be shortlisted “I am so proud that we’ve been recognised in this way, I feel really honoured to be shortlisted as one of 3 finalists. This recognises the fact that the care we offer to families here in Derby is leading the way nationally.”

Derby Hospitals’ Head of Midwifery Jane Haslam paid tribute to Sue’s achievement in being shortlisted “It is fantastic news that Sue has been shortlisted for these national awards. Sue and her team continue to support women, families and staff through an extremely emotional and traumatic time. Sue has worked hard with her team to create a calm and quiet environment where women and their families can be supported during their bereavement.”

The award organisers say they received an unprecedented number of entries this year and the judges had a difficult task selecting the finalists as the standard was so high.

Sue Rucklidge is a previous ‘Pride of Derby’ winner in a staff award scheme which recognises those hospital staff who go the extra mile in caring for patients. Sue won ‘Best Frontline Member of Staff’ last year after being nominated by a couple for the support she gave them during three pregnancy losses. They praised Sue’s compassionate care and said she was their rock in helping them through such difficult times.

The winners of the Royal College of Midwifery Awards will be announced at an Awards lunch to be held in London next March.